Definition of gyrfalcon in English:
gyrfalcon
noun ˈdʒəːˌfɔː(l)k(ə)nˈdʒəːˌfɒlk(ə)nˈdʒərˌfælkən
The largest falcon, found in arctic regions and occurring in several colour forms, one of which is mainly white.
Falco rusticolus, family Falconidae
Example sentencesExamples
- They've both become superb birders, too, able to distinguish in a wing beat, for example, a gyrfalcon from a peregrine falcon during a brief aerial tussle.
- Its cliffs and valleys are habitat for peregrine falcons and endangered gyrfalcon, while its tidal flats and river mouths attract huge numbers of migrating birds and waterfowl.
- Adam and his team of falconers use predatory birds like gyrfalcons, eagles, and peregrine falcons to clear the air.
- Ranging from creamy pink to pale yellow, peregrine falcon and gyrfalcon eggs are slightly smaller than chicken's eggs, but many times more valuable.
- Detecting prey from fir away is an essential element in the unique hunting strategy of gyrfalcons.
Origin
Middle English: from Old French gerfaucon, of Germanic origin. The first element is probably related to Old High German gēr 'spear'; the spelling gyr- arose from a mistaken idea that the bird's name came from Latin gyrare 'revolve'.
Definition of gyrfalcon in US English:
gyrfalcon
nounˈjərˌfalkənˈdʒərˌfælkən
The largest falcon, found in arctic regions and occurring in several color forms, one of which is mainly white.
Falco rusticolus, family Falconidae
Example sentencesExamples
- Its cliffs and valleys are habitat for peregrine falcons and endangered gyrfalcon, while its tidal flats and river mouths attract huge numbers of migrating birds and waterfowl.
- Ranging from creamy pink to pale yellow, peregrine falcon and gyrfalcon eggs are slightly smaller than chicken's eggs, but many times more valuable.
- They've both become superb birders, too, able to distinguish in a wing beat, for example, a gyrfalcon from a peregrine falcon during a brief aerial tussle.
- Detecting prey from fir away is an essential element in the unique hunting strategy of gyrfalcons.
- Adam and his team of falconers use predatory birds like gyrfalcons, eagles, and peregrine falcons to clear the air.
Origin
Middle English: from Old French gerfaucon, of Germanic origin. The first element is probably related to Old High German gēr ‘spear’; the spelling gyr- arose from a mistaken idea that the bird's name came from Latin gyrare ‘revolve’.